How Much Does Melbourne Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Melbourne is often regarded as Australia’s cultural and culinary capital, offering a high-end experience that sits at a moderate to high price point globally. While it is generally more affordable than Sydney, travelers should prepare for costs that align with other major hubs like London or Singapore. A solo traveler can expect to spend between $73 / A$104 and $802 / A$1,138 per day, depending on whether they opt for shared dorms or five-star luxury suites. Prices for essentials like coffee and public transport are consistent, but dining out in the famous laneways can quickly increase the daily tally. Despite the premium prices for accommodation, the city provides excellent value through its extensive network of free public services and galleries.
Is Melbourne expensive to visit?
Melbourne is moderately expensive, with typical daily costs ranging from $73 / A$104 to $802 / A$1,138 depending on your travel style.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Melbourne
$73
per person /day
$293
per person /day
$802
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $220 | $879 | $2,407 |
| 5-Day Trip | $366 | $1,465 | $4,011 |
| 7-Day Trip | $513 | $2,052 | $5,617 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for the common 10% Sunday surcharges and the mandatory 7.5% Victorian Short Stay Levy on vacation rentals. Additionally, the $139 / A$198 visitor visa fee is an upfront cost that should be factored into the total trip budget before arrival.
How Does It Compare?
See how Melbourne stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Melbourne
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant Expect to pay around $17 / A$25 for a solid casual meal in areas like Carlton or CBD laneways. | $17 A$25 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) Melbourne is famous for its coffee; a flat white will typically cost around $3.83 / A$5.42. | $3.83 A$5.42 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (1 Pint) Standard pint (approx $8.36 / A$12) at a local pub. Craft beers will be higher. | $8.37 A$12 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| SkyBus Melbourne City Express (One Way) Direct transfer from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Southern Cross Station. Return is ~$29 / A$41. | $17 A$25 |
| Myki Card Fee (New Card) This is just for the physical card (approx $4.18 / A$5.92). You must add credit (top-up) for travel. | $4.19 A$5.94 |
| Daily Public Transport Cap (Zone 1+2) Travel as much as you like on trains, trams, and buses. On weekends and public holidays, the cap drops to ~$5.06 / A$7.18. | $7.39 A$10 |
| Taxi Standard Flagfall (Peak) Higher flagfall (approx $5.41 / A$7.68) applies on Friday and Saturday nights. | $5.44 A$7.71 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Space Hotel Melbourne (Dorm Bed) Calculated from $34 / A$49. This budget hostel is centrally located and offers a rooftop spa. | $34 A$49 |
| Mid-range Hotel (CBD) Standard 3–4 star hotels in the CBD or Southbank typically range from $153–$188 / A$217–A$267 per night. | $171 A$242 |
| Lanson Place Parliament Gardens (Luxury Room) Calculated from $207 (approx $218 / A$309). A top-tier luxury choice near the city's east end. | $322 A$457 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Melbourne Museum General Entry Standard adult entry (approx $10 / A$15). Children under 16 enter free. | $10 A$15 |
| Luna Park Unlimited Ride Pass (Adult 13+) Covers all rides for one day (approx $38 / A$54). Entry-only tickets are often available for a small fee. | $38 A$54 |
| National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Exhibition While permanent collections are free, major world-class exhibitions cost ~$21 / A$30. | $21 A$30 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Australia eSIM - 10GB (30 Days) Highly recommended for instant connectivity (approx $18 / A$25 based on USD conversion). | $16 A$23 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The city’s dining culture is centered around its world-class coffee, with a standard cappuccino costing $3.83 / A$5.42, and a vibrant casual dining scene where a quality meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages $17 / A$25. Visitors should be aware of the common 10% to 15% surcharge at cafés and restaurants on Sundays and public holidays, which can significantly impact the food budget. While a pint of domestic beer costs around $8.37 / A$12, the proliferation of specialized wine bars and craft breweries often leads to higher spending on beverages.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
The Borek Shop
$3.48–$6.98 / A$4.94–A$9.9Queen Victoria Market · Street food area
Arrive before 11:00 to beat the lunch rush for the ~$3.53 / A$5.01 spicy lamb borek.
Don Don
$8.37–$13 / A$12–A$18CBD · Local chain
The fastest service in the city; you'll often have your ~$8.71 / A$12 curry before you've finished paying.
Universal Restaurant
$14–$21 / A$20–A$30Carlton · Local chain
The ~$15 / A$22 schnitzel is easily large enough for two people to share.
8bit Burger
$10–$17 / A$15–A$25CBD / Footscray · Local chain
Try the 'Alter Ego' burger for a premium experience at ~$14 / A$19.
Shanghai Street
$9.77–$15 / A$14–A$22CBD · Local chain
The dumplings here are widely considered the best value in the CBD for ~$11 / A$15.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around is efficient thanks to an integrated system of trains and trams, though visitors must first purchase a Myki card for $4.19 / A$5.94 and add credit for travel. The daily public transport cap is set at $7.39 / A$10, making it an affordable way to explore beyond the city center, especially on weekends when the cap drops to approximately $5.06 / A$7.18. For airport transfers, the SkyBus Melbourne City Express is a convenient option at $17 / A$25 for a one-way trip to the central Southern Cross Station.
Accommodation Overview
The lodging landscape in Melbourne offers a wide spectrum, from central hostels like the Space Hotel where a dorm bed costs $34 / A$49, to high-end luxury at Lanson Place Parliament Gardens for $322 / A$457. Mid-range 3–4 star hotels in the CBD typically average $171 / A$242, providing a sweet spot for those seeking comfort and central access. Travelers using short-stay platforms should note the 7.5% Victorian Short Stay Levy added to bookings.
Accommodation Budget in Melbourne
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Utilize the Free Tram Zone in the CBD, which allows for $0 travel on any tram within the central grid bounded by Spring Street, Flinders Street, and La Trobe Street.
- 2 Visit The Borek Shop at Queen Victoria Market for a filling and budget-friendly meal under $5.89 / A$8.35.
- 3 Head to Universal Restaurant on Lygon Street for their famous, massive chicken parmigiana that can easily be shared between two people.
- 4 Take advantage of the weekend public transport cap, which limits daily spending to approximately $5.06 / A$7.18 for unlimited Zone 1+2 travel on Saturdays and Sundays.
- 5 Eat at Don Don near Melbourne Central for Japanese rice bowls that are among the fastest and cheapest meals in the city, typically costing around $12 / A$17.
- 6 Visit the Queen Victoria Market during the final hour of trade (around 15:00–16:00) on weekends for significant discounts on fresh produce and seafood.
- 7 Choose a hostel like Space Hotel ($34 / A$49/night) to access rooftop facilities and a kitchen, which helps avoid expensive restaurant bills.
- 8 Look for 'Tight Ass Tuesday' deals at local cinemas and pubs, where movie tickets and meal specials are often discounted by 30-50%.
- 9 Bring a reusable water bottle and use the many public hydration stations; Melbourne's tap water is high-quality and free.
- 10 Download the Australia eSIM with 10GB for $16 / A$23 instead of paying high roaming fees or buying more expensive physical SIM cards at the airport.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan, Feb
+30-50%
Jun, Jul, Aug
-20-30%
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Winter (June–August) is cold and rainy but offers the best hotel deals, often saving you over $71 / A$100 per night compared to summer.
Events to Watch
- ● Australian Open (Late Jan): +100% hotels
- ● Grand Prix (Mid-March): +70% hotels
- ● Melbourne Cup (Early Nov): +50% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Explore the permanent collections at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) International, which are free for all visitors.
- 2 Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, a massive 38-hectare site that costs $0 to enter.
- 3 Visit the State Library Victoria to see the stunning octagonal La Trobe Reading Room.
- 4 Head to St Kilda Pier at sunset to spot the colony of wild Little Penguins returning to their nests for free.
- 5 Take the City Circle Tram (Route 35), a heritage burgundy tram that provides a free loop around the city with audio commentary.
- 6 Wander through Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane to see the city's world-famous street art and graffiti at no cost.
- 7 Pay respects at the Shrine of Remembrance; entry to the sanctuary and the balcony views of the city skyline are free.
- 8 Browse the stalls at the Queen Victoria Market, one of the largest open-air markets in the Southern Hemisphere.
- 9 Visit the Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square to learn about Aboriginal culture and history through free exhibitions.
- 10 Walk the 2km length of the Southbank Promenade for excellent views of the city skyline and the Yarra River.
- 11 Explore the Fitzroy Gardens and visit the exterior of Cooks' Cottage and the Conservatory.
- 12 Take photos of the iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes, which are free to view and walk past on Brighton Beach.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Vue de Monde Degustation
Unparalleled views from the 55th floor and world-class modern Australian cuisine for ~$244 / A$346.
12 Apostles Helicopter Flight
The only way to truly appreciate the scale of the coastline for ~$122 / A$173.
Yarra Valley Hot Air Ballooning
Sunrise over Australia's premier wine region including breakfast for ~$297 / A$421.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Melbourne
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Melbourne and what they cost
Phillip Island (Penguin Parade)
$31 / A$45 by bus/shuttle
$21 / A$30
$105 / A$148
Great Ocean Road
$94 / A$134 by tour bus
Free
$126 / A$178
Yarra Valley Wine Region
$17 / A$25 by train and bus
$28 / A$40
$98 / A$139
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Australian Dollar (AUD)
1 $ ≈ 1.42 $
No
Everywhere including food trucks and small markets.
Not mandatory. For exceptional service in restaurants, 10% is generous. In cafés, rounding up to the nearest $1.18 / A$1.67 is common.
Use big-bank ATMs (CBA, ANZ, NAB, Westpac) to avoid independent 'operator' fees of ~$3.53–$4.71 / A$5.01–A$6.68 per withdrawal.
Connectivity
eSIM: $18–$29 for 10-20GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $21–$35 / A$30–A$50 for high-data plans at the airport.
WiFi: Widely available in CBD, libraries, and large train stations.
Use an Airalo eSIM for data and a local Telstra SIM if heading out to regional areas like the Great Ocean Road.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Melbourne.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Where to Stay
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Complete Cost Guide
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